Jean-Marc Dreyer Elios Pinot Noir 2022

Jean-Marc Dreyer, a renowned natural winemaker, operates his vineyard in Rosheim, Alsace, about 25 kilometers southwest of Strasbourg. Taking over the family estate in 2003, Jean-Marc converted the vineyard to biodynamic farming. His mentor, Patrick Meyer, greatly influenced his approach to natural winemaking. Jean-Marc focuses on producing pure, high-quality grapes through sustainable agricultural practices.

The vineyard covers six hectares and comprises 25 parcels, each with unique characteristics. Jean-Marc cultivates local grape varieties such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Muscat. He is known for his skin-contact wines (often called orange wines), which undergo extended maceration periods. This method enhances the complexity and freshness of his reds and imparts unique qualities to his whites.

Jean-Marc avoids using sulfur, filters, or additives in his wines, striving to maintain the natural essence of the grapes. His wines, aged in large wooden foudres, are celebrated for their balance and purity. The vineyard also incorporates innovative practices such as planting trees among the vines and employing horses for some vineyard work.

Jean-Marc Dreyer's wines have gained a dedicated following, making them highly sought after. His dedication to biodynamic and organic farming, along with his innovative winemaking techniques, has established him as a key figure in the natural wine movement in Alsace.

The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its exceptional wines. This region stretches from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, encompassing a diverse landscape influenced by French and German cultures. The Vosges Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France. It also has a unique microclimate that is ideal for viticulture.

Alsace's vineyards cover approximately 15,500 hectares and produce wines under three main appellations: Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. The Alsace AOC includes a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. At the same time, Alsace Grand Cru AOC designates the region's top-quality vineyard sites, focusing primarily on four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, follows traditional Champagne methods and primarily uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are the cornerstone grapes of Alsace, known for producing aromatic and expressive wines. The region also produces notable Pinot Noir wines, typically lighter in style than those from Burgundy. However, warmer summers are leading to more robust expressions of this grape.

The Alsace Wine Route, established in 1953, spans 170 kilometers and offers a picturesque journey through charming villages, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Key stops along the route include Strasbourg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences and opportunities to taste and explore the region's diverse wines.